The Turkmenistan Investment Forum — TIF-2026, held in Ashgabat, became an important international platform for presenting the country’s economic potential to the global community, identifying new areas of cooperation and implementing major investment projects. During this large-scale event, attended by representatives of various countries, international financial institutions and leading companies, special attention was paid to one of the key sectors of Turkmenistan’s economy — the transport and logistics system.

In today’s global economy, where supply chains are changing, new trade routes are emerging and the demand for reliable transport links is increasing, the strategic importance of transport infrastructure is growing significantly. In this regard, Turkmenistan, located in the heart of Central Asia, acts as an important transport hub connecting East and West, North and South.

Special sessions held within the framework of the forum discussed the development prospects of Turkmenistan’s transport system, its role in international transit corridors, multimodal transportation, the creation of logistics centres, the introduction of digital technologies, and ways to attract investment in transport infrastructure.

Participants noted that Turkmenistan’s advantageous geographical location is one of the main factors determining its role in international transport cooperation. Situated between Europe and Asia, Turkmenistan is currently promoting initiatives aimed not only at developing regional transport networks but also at creating globally significant corridors.

One of the main priorities of Turkmenistan’s transport policy is the development of international transport corridors. The forum highlighted the importance of expanding transport links along the “North — South” and “East — West” routes, as well as making effective use of the potential of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route.

The Turkmenbashi International Seaport, located on the coast of the Caspian Sea, was presented as one of the key strategic facilities in this area. The capabilities of the modern seaport create conditions for Central Asian countries to access global markets and develop trade relations with Europe, the Caucasus and the Middle East.

The importance of the Turkmenbashi port in the transport system goes beyond cargo transportation. It serves as a modern logistics centre integrating railway, road and maritime transport. This makes it possible to direct international cargo flows along faster and more convenient routes.

The forum also paid special attention to the development of multimodal transportation in the transport and logistics sector. According to experts, integrated logistics systems that ensure the interaction of different modes of transport are becoming one of the key conditions for modern global trade.

In this regard, the efforts undertaken in Turkmenistan to create a unified transport system combining railway, road and maritime capabilities are attracting significant interest from international partners. Such an approach makes it possible to increase transportation speed, reduce costs and open new trade routes.

The importance of digitalisation in the transport sector was also widely discussed during the forum. Participants emphasised that the development of electronic document management, digital customs services, cargo tracking systems and automation of logistics operations are among the key requirements of the modern era.

The introduction of digital technologies into the transport system not only improves the quality of services but also increases the competitiveness of international transport corridors. The creation of modern information systems and the adoption of international experience were identified as important elements of Turkmenistan’s transport strategy.

Speaking at the forum, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov noted that the transport and logistics sector is one of the priority areas of the country’s investment policy. According to him, Turkmenistan’s foreign policy based on the principles of permanent neutrality, stable economic conditions and favourable geographical location create broad opportunities for developing international cooperation.

The diplomat stressed that Turkmenistan is implementing major projects aimed at integrating into international transport and energy systems. These include the development of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport, expansion of international railway routes, construction of new transport corridors and increasing logistics capabilities.

Foreign participants of the forum also highly praised Turkmenistan’s transport potential. Representatives of the Islamic Republic of Iran noted that the favourable geographical location of the two countries creates significant opportunities for developing regional transport connectivity.

The Iranian side particularly emphasised the importance of developing the “North — South” International Transport Corridor and routes passing through the Caspian region. These routes provide Central Asian countries with additional opportunities to access the ports of the Persian Gulf, Middle Eastern markets and international trade networks.

Representatives of the Republic of Türkiye also highlighted Turkmenistan’s role in the regional transport system. According to them, the development of the Trans-Caspian transport corridor and expansion of the Turkmenbashi port’s capabilities will contribute to bringing Eurasian transport connectivity to a new level.

The Kyrgyz delegation also stressed the importance of strengthening transport cooperation among regional countries. Increasing the interconnectedness of Central Asian transport systems was identified as one of the important conditions for expanding the economic potential of the region.

The discussion of future development prospects of the transport and logistics system at the Investment Forum of Turkmenistan demonstrated the country’s strong commitment to this sector. The development of transport infrastructure is not only a factor of economic growth but also a strategic instrument for strengthening Turkmenistan’s position in the international economic space.

The discussions held within TIF-2026 showed that Turkmenistan’s efforts to become one of Eurasia’s key transport hubs are attracting significant international interest.

The directions identified and initiatives proposed during the forum provide an important foundation for implementing new investment projects, expanding international cooperation